CPHS’s Policy Corner

Last Updated: November 25, 2024

“Policy Corner “ is a new feature that will track, present, and discuss various policy issues and other topics of interest or concern affecting the Cleveland Park Historic District. This will include reporting on actions taken by the DC Council, the DC Office of Planning (OP), the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), and ANC 3C commissioners. “Policy Corner” will appear in each issue of Voices and on the CPHS website when there is news or necessary updates.

DC Council
Two bills introduced to amend the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978 (HPA) would alter the authority of the HPRB or require it to make decisions concerning matters beyond its mandate:

• Housing Capacity Preservation Amendment Act of 2024 (B25-0919). Introduced in July, the bill primarily proposes to strike the term “height” from the HPA, thus removing HPRB’s authority to limit building heights based on historic compatibility if those limits were to affect the creation of additional housing. To date, the bill has not moved forward.
• Resilient and Energy Efficient Historic Properties Amendment Act of 2024 (B25-793). Introduced in April, the purpose of the bill is to amend the HPA to require that HPRB consider proposed alterations that include additional design elements that promote energy resiliency and water and energy efficiency. The Council held a public hearing October 8, 2024.

DC Office of Planning
The OP has been making plans to implement upzoning along Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park and Woodley Park, based on its Connecticut Avenue Development Guidelines, published in 2023. CPHS commented on OP’s Development Guidelines during public deliberations and produced a set of design guidelines (available on our website) focused on protecting the integrity of Cleveland Park’s historic commercial district while accommodating potential development of greater infill. The OP’s Historic Preservation Office posted the guidelines on its website.

During the ANC 3C’s November 18, 2024, meeting, Joel Lawson, associate OP director, explained the basic implementation process, which could result in zoning changes in the two neighborhoods; this will include reengaging with community groups. Review and meetings will begin in 2025.

In the ANCs
• 3C05 Commissioner and Treasurer Sauleh Siddiqui did not run for re-election. Zach Shaben of Porter Street, the uncontested candidate, will fill the seat. 3A03 Commissioner Hans Miller resigned earlier this year, leaving that seat vacant. Two candidates ran for the seat in the November election. The newly elected commissioner is Isaac Bowers of Quebec Street. Voices will be contacting both new commissioners for interviews in 2025.
• In addition to Associate OP Director Joel Lawson’s presentation at the November 18 ANC 3C meeting, the new Ward 3 manager, Kendall Gibson, introduced herself; she can be contacted at: 202-341-7706.

Around the Neighborhood
Uptown Theater
• Artechouse, an innovative art venue fusing technology and the visual arts, recently signed a 20-year lease on the Uptown Theater, which has been closed since March 2020. Sandro Kereseldze, one of the owners of Artechouse, presented the very preliminary plan for the building at the November 18 ANC 3C meeting. He promises to create a “cinematic experience” in the building and expects to keep the ANC up to date as those plans progress.